We're too reliant on Folau - 'Tahs

Waratahs attack coach Darren Gibson admits his side are too reliant on the influence of Israel Folau's offensive prowess.

Waratahs attack coach Darren Gibson admits his side are too reliant on the influence of Israel Folau's offensive prowess.

The 'Tahs have been brought back to ground with a bump after an exhilarating start to the season, with 16 tries in four games. They have scored just one per match in the three fixtures Folau has sat out injured.

While commending the resolute South African defences of the Sharks and Stormers, and that of the Force in Perth last week, Gibson conceded the franchise missed their game-breaker.

"Without Israel we're probably not as threatening - not in the sense of creating but certainly in finishing," Gibson told Fairfax.

"That's been evidenced by the fact we haven't scored many tries in the last few weeks."

"It's probably a little bit of both [Folau and good defence].

"We're certainly creating a lot of opportunities - against the Force we created plenty - it's just against the Force we didn't finish.

"We've talked a lot this week about our line break conversion, and the opportunities we do create that we need to be finishing. With Israel back in the line-up you know, given five opportunities he will probably finish two or three of those."

While the Waratahs can still point to the likes of playmaker Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley in attack, there is little doubt their potency has declined without the giant cross-code international.

"When you have a world-class player like Izzy coming into the side it does give you confidence, it would be silly to say it doesn't," added prop Benn Robinson.

"There's always good players who stand up but for me personally when I know Izzy is out there it makes a big difference."